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France's Debuchy determined to improve on last Spain performance
10-Oct-2012 2:00:00 AM
The 27-year-old has admitted his country were not good enough against the ultimate victors of Euro 2012, ahead of a rematch in World Cup 2014 qualifying at the Vicente Calderon.
Lille star Mathieu Debuchy has said France under-performed against Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, and believes his side will give the reigning World and European champions a better game in World Cup qualifying on October 16.Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso scored twice in this summer's encounter between the two sides to wrap up an ultimately comfortable victory for La Roja.
But Debuchy, who was replaced by Florent Malouda in the second half of that tie as France pushed for an equaliser, is determined to see an improvement in his team's performance this time around.
"I have a little regret for this game when I was not at my level or in my [correct] position. I could have given more," he was quoted as saying to France Football.
"They were stronger than us. They controlled the game from beginning to end. It was the quarter-finals of the Euros. We did not do enough to put them in danger."
Heading into their World Cup qualifier with Vicente Del Bosque's side next Tuesday, the French have recorded two victories from their opening two games in Group I, beating Finland and Belarus.
Debuchy believes a new look France will be able to redeem themselves from the defeat in the summer.
He added: "There have been many changes in the group, with new staff and a new coach.
"I do not know whether we need to try something new against Spain. We'll let the coach decide. We will work this week to become dangerous [so we can] bring something back from there.
"I have not watched Spain's latest games but I do not think they have changed a lot of players, and they have the same philosophy of playing we know about.
"We know this is a very good team playing very good football and they remain the best nation."
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